Battleoverdoyen maintained his unbeaten record with an impressive performance on his hurdling debut in the opener at Navan this afternoon.

Jack Kennedy tracked the leaders on the 8/15 shot before letting him jump into lead down the back straight.

The five-year-old skipped clear before the second last in the two-mile maiden hurdle and powered away in the closing stages for an commanding 13 length success.

The Gordon Elliott-trained, Gigginstown owned gelding, was following up on a bumper win at Punchestown 18 days ago.

He had been purchased for £235,000 following a point-to-point win in April 2017.

“We think he’s a nice horse. He improved a lot from his run the last day in the bumper and he’ll improve again for his first run over hurdles,” said Elliott.

“He jumped very well and a step up in trip the next day will suit him. He stays very well. He’ll probably go to Naas next (for the Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle, Grade 1 on January 6th) all being well.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)